Abortion
April 21, 2025

How to Take Abortion Pills Safely

Understand how abortion pills work from a UK doctor. Learn about mifepristone, misoprostol, safety, symptoms, and what to expect with Top at Home.

Written by
Dr. Aka (GMC Number: 4275695), Medical Director at Top at Home
Reviewed by
Dr. Ohizua (GMC Number: 4446275), Consultant Gynaecologist at Top at Home
How to Take Abortion Pills Safely

Thinking about a medication abortion? You’re not alone. Over 73% of abortions in the UK are now done with pills, offering a safe, effective, and private way to end an early pregnancy from the comfort of home.

In this guide, Dr. Albert Aka, Consultant Gynecologist, explains how the abortion pill works, what to expect, and how to ensure a smooth recovery.

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What Are Abortion Pills & How Do They Work?

Medication abortion involves two pills that work together:

🩺 Dr. Aka explains:
"Mifepristone stops the pregnancy from progressing, while misoprostol triggers cramping and bleeding similar to a miscarriage. When used correctly, this method is 98% effective for pregnancies up to 10 weeks."

πŸ”— For More Information Read our Blog - What is the Abortion Pill?

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How to Take the Abortion Pills Correctly

Step 1: Take Mifepristone (First Pill)

πŸ“Œ How to Take:

  • Swallow one mifepristone (200mg) tablet with water.
  • Most people feel fine after taking it, though mild nausea or cramping may occur

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Step 2: Take Misoprostol (Second Pill 24–48 Hours Later)

πŸ“Œ How to Take:
There are two ways to take misoprostol:

Method Instructions Effectiveness
Buccal (in the cheeks) Place two tablets on each side of your mouth, let them dissolve for 30 minutes, then swallow any remaining bits. βœ… 98%
Vaginal Insert all four tablets high into the vagina, then lie down for 30 minutes to help absorption. βœ… 98%

πŸ’‘ The buccal method is more common because it’s easier to do at home.

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What to Expect: Symptoms & Side Effects

Within 1–4 hours of taking misoprostol, you’ll likely experience:

βœ”οΈ Cramping – Stronger than period cramps but manageable with ibuprofen.
βœ”οΈ Bleeding – Similar to a heavy period, with clots up to the size of a lemon (this is normal).
βœ”οΈ Nausea & Chills – Temporary, often lasting a few hours.

⏳ Timeline of Symptoms

Time After Taking Misoprostol What Happens
1–4 hours Cramping & bleeding start
4–6 hours Most intense symptoms occur
6–12 hours Pregnancy passes
1–2 weeks Bleeding gradually decreases

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🩺 Dr. Aka’s Advice:
"Pain levels vary, but most people find ibuprofen (600-800mg every 6-8 hours) effective. Rest, a heating pad, and staying hydrated can also help."

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Is the Abortion Pill Safe?

βœ… Yes. Medication abortion is one of the safest medical procedures.

  • 98% success rate when used correctly.
  • Fewer complications than childbirth or wisdom tooth removal.
  • Serious side effects (such as heavy bleeding requiring medical attention) occur in fewer than 0.4% of cases.

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🚨 When to Seek Medical Help‍

Call a doctor if you experience:
❌ Heavy bleeding (soaking two pads per hour for 2+ hours).
❌ Severe pain not relieved by painkillers.
❌ High fever (38°C or higher) for more than 24 hours.

πŸ“ž Top at Home provides 24/7 support - contact us via WhatsApp or phone if you need assistance.

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How Do You Know the Abortion Pill Worked?

πŸ“Œ Ways to Confirm a Successful Abortion:Β 

βœ”οΈ A negative pregnancy test after 3-4 weeks

βœ”οΈ Period returns in 4–6 weeks

βœ”οΈ Symptoms of pregnancy (nausea, fatigue) disappear

πŸ” Follow-up Check: If you’re unsure, Top at Home offer virtual follow-ups with a doctor to ensure the process is complete.

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Common Questions About the Abortion Pill

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Can You Still Get Pregnant After Taking the Abortion Pill?

Yes. Fertility returns quickly, you can ovulate as soon as two weeks after an abortion. If you want to avoid pregnancy, consider starting contraception right away.

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Can You Take the Abortion Pill in the UK Without a Clinic Visit?

Yes! At Top at Home, we provide online consultations and ship abortion pills discreetly to your door.
No need to visit a clinic safe, private, and doctor-approved.

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Final Thoughts: A Safe, Private Choice

Medication abortion with misoprostol and mifepristone is a trusted, effective method to end an early pregnancy privately at home.

If you have questions or need guidance, Top at Home is here for you.
‍

πŸ“ž Contact us today for expert support.

πŸ”— Get Started with a Virtual Consultation with Top at Home β†’

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MEET TOP AT HOME

Safe, private & fast virtual abortion care in the UK

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